What's On Scotland 22-29 Jan: Fokus: Films from Germany & more

The tenth edition of FOKUS, Goethe-Institut Glasgow’s German film festival, is a special anniversary edition, curated by Glasgow-based filmmaker and writer Rastko Novaković. It takes place across Scotland, with screenings in Glasgow, Dumfries, Edinburgh and more until 22 February.

In honour of the tenth anniversary, this year's programme focuses on ten films, pulled from the archives of Goethe-Institut, DEFA and the Werner Herzog Foundation, which together explore over a century of German cinema through the eyes of female protagonists. The films span decades of Germany history, from the Weimar Republic to the division of Germany and reunification, including Tomorrow Somewhere By the Sea (pictured), Pandora's Box and more. Find the full programme and screenings here.

Mon Rovîa
SWG3, Glasgow, 22 Jan, 7pm
A leading voice in the Afro-Appalachian music scene, Liberia-born folk artist Mon Rovîa draws on his experiences to create music that centres empathy and healing. If this sounds at all schmaltzy, it isn’t – his songs are tender yet sharp, building on the political foundations of folk. Image: Zayne Isom.

Potpourri
Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh, 22 Jan, 11pm
From some of the team behind iconic queer club night Femmergy, Potpourri is a collaboration between DJs Annafleur and Sweet Philly and is quickly becoming a mainstay of the Cowgate. This month sees them welcoming Danyo and Groundskeeper Fanny to the club. Image: Courtesy of Sneaky Pete's.

Drawing on Style
Dovecot, Edinburgh. Until 11 Apr
Complementing Dovecot's upcoming major exhibition on 1960s and 70s icon Biba, this exhibition of original fashion illustrations from the period features work by the likes of Antonio Lopez and Caroline Smith, exploring how the medium shifted in moments of great cultural change. Image: Caroline Smith.

Naima Bock
The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh, 22 Jan, 7:30pm
Formerly of the post-punk band Goat Girl, Brazilian-Greek indie folk musician Naima Bock struck out on her own a few years ago and now has two solo albums under her belt. Her music blends delicate harmonies with quietly introspective lyrics and surprising instrumentalisation. Image: Marcus Jeffrey.

ADVERTISEMENT | Independent Venue Week

As Independent Venue Week kick off their 13th consecutive edition, championing and celebrating the best of the independent music scene across Scotland. From John O’Groats to Newton Stewart to Galashiels, there are so many amazing shows to go to in great venues with brilliant artists, including Scottish Ambassadors Brògeal – you can catch them at MacArts and The Venue.

↪ Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes
The King’s Theatre, Glasgow. 27-31 Jan, various times
Based on the classic Powell and Pressburger film and the even more classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, this lavish ballet tells the tale of a young ballerina who lives to dance, and whose ambitions get caught between two men who inspire her passion. Image: Johann Persson.

→ Emergence 2026
Various venues, Glasgow. 21-24 Jan
Platforming new work by graduating artists from the Royal Conservatoire Scotland, this year’s edition of Emergence includes verbatim theatre about crisis points and puppetry about displacement to a trans retelling of the life of Jesus.

→ 10 Years of Hometown Sound System
The Art School, Glasgow. 30 Jan, 9pm
One of Scotland's biggest and most beloved sound system collectives turns ten this year, and to celebrate a decade worth of banging parties, they are throwing another banging party: find them at The Art School spinning bass, dancehall and more.